As New York lawmakers debate ways to lower costs and confront climate change, environmental advocates say the state stands at a pivotal moment. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent state of the state address included major investments in clean water and a defense of congestion pricing — steps that drew praise from environmental groups. Yet advocates caution the state still lacks a near-term plan to rapidly expand clean energy and cut pollution.
Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY, joined us to break down what the state got right, where it fell short, and what their 2026 agenda calls for.
“We know that New Yorkers want climate action that’s practical, affordable, and real,” Fajans-Turner said. “The governor understands the pressure families are under, but climate leadership now means moving much faster on deploying solutions and clean energy at scale that will lower costs and protect New Yorkers’ health in the near and long term.”
Investing in Water and Public Health
Among the highlights of Hochul’s address was a $3.75 billion, five-year clean water plan. Fajans-Turner called it a “historic investment” that will not only replace aging infrastructure like lead pipes but also safeguard communities from rollbacks at the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
“This is pocketbook protection,” Fajans-Turner said. “By investing in large-scale public infrastructure, the state reduces costs for property taxes, municipal budgets, and household water expenses.”
Clean Energy Gaps and Nuclear Concerns
Fajans-Turner praised the emphasis on affordability and safety but said the governor fell short on clean energy. “We did not hear about utility-scale solar or offshore wind deployment,” she said. “Incremental wins are not enough. We need a statewide energy plan that accelerates New York toward its climate goals.”
She also cautioned against overreliance on nuclear power. “Nuclear will cost billions more than solar or wind and take years to deploy,” Fajans-Turner said. “It cannot replace shovel-ready clean energy projects that are essential today.”
Housing, Data Centers, and Environmental Protections
Hochul also proposed streamlining environmental review to speed housing construction. Fajans-Turner urged a careful approach: “Reform should be a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Reviews must protect our water, air, and communities to ensure projects deliver more benefits than costs.”
With rapid growth in energy demand from data centers, Fajans-Turner emphasized that “big load growth must come from binding clean energy and storage requirements. We cannot allow expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.”
2026 Action Agenda: PFAS, Clean Energy, and Resilience
Environmental Advocates New York recently released its 2026 action agenda, which Fajans-Turner described as “not a wish list, but the basic work of governing in a warming world.” Key priorities include banning toxic PFAS chemicals in consumer products, investing in community resilience, and accelerating clean energy deployment.
“First and foremost, we urge the governor to commit an additional billion dollars for the Sustainable Future Program,” Fajans-Turner said. “Second, we must continue to protect drinking water and accelerate clean energy. These steps will help New York remain a climate leader and keep costs down for residents.”
Looking ahead, Fajans-Turner said success would mean a 2026 renewable energy plan that charts a clear path toward solar, offshore wind, and a zero-emission economy, along with programs that make polluters pay rather than burden taxpayers.
“If we follow through on these priorities, New York can accelerate its clean energy transition while protecting health, lowering costs, and safeguarding communities,” Fajans-Turner said.
Image Credit: Environmental Advocates NY